What is an example of intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. The choice of reading because one enjoys the story embodies this concept perfectly. When a person reads for pleasure, they are motivated by their internal desire to enjoy the narrative and experience the joy that comes from the act of reading itself. This enjoyment and satisfaction are self-driven rather than contingent on external rewards or pressures.

In contrast, the other options reflect extrinsic motivation. For example, studying to avoid a bad grade is driven by the external fear of negative consequences. Exercising for a reward indicates that the person is motivated by an external benefit, and completing a task to please someone else entails engaging in an activity primarily to meet someone else's expectations. These alternatives emphasize external factors influencing behavior rather than the internal enjoyment or interest that characterizes intrinsic motivation.